Overview
Join us for a 5-hour foundational class on mountain biking in the Pacific Northwest. This course is designed for those who want to move beyond riding on pavement and feel confident navigating easy dirt trails and forest roots. You will practice the fundamentals of balance, braking, and steering in a patient, judgment-free environment before heading out for a guided ride through the Portland woods.
Highlights
Skills Clinic: A hands-on morning session focused on mastering body position, effective braking, and steering on flat ground.
Guided Forest Ride: A relaxed trail ride through evergreen trees and over soft dirt paths to put your new skills into practice.
Small Group Support: Instruction tailored to beginners, ensuring no one feels left behind or pressured to ride beyond their comfort zone.
Premium Gear Included: Use of a well-maintained mountain bike and a helmet that fits you properly.
Meet your guide
Trish Schales
Guide/Owner for Trails Diverged
My primary goals as a guide are to help people build confidence, feel comfortable as a beginner, leave no trace, and recreate safely. I know how it feels to be intimidated by a new activity, and I will always work to be sure you feel safe physically and emotionally so that you can enjoy our trip and learn something new.
During our time together, I will call upon of 6,000 miles of backcountry experience & Search and Rescue experience to help you enjoy the outdoors safely. I strive to provide a personalized experience that shows a different side of the world to my clients, and to help them gain a better and deeper understanding of the sites and destinations we visit.
My passion is helping people that don't have the income to "try out" backpacking and wilderness exploration. My goal is to make access affordable and safe, while building confidence and life-long memories.
I have Wilderness First Responder training and practice the Leave No Trace principles so that we can recreate responsibly and conserve our special places for generations to come. I also teach Wilderness survival classes and backcountry navigation - I take care of the planning and medical gear so you can relax and enjoy the view. I have been a dedicated Professional Guide since 2020, and I was awarded the prestigious REI Guide of the Year Award in 2024.
If you’d like to tour with me, please get in touch so I can start creating the perfect itinerary for you.
Total Mileage:
5-10 Miles
Transportation Included?
Self-Drive: Guests are responsible for their own transportation to the trailhead. Detailed coordinates and parking instructions will be sent via email 48 hours prior to the trip.
Tendency for Break
Frequent: We stop often to catch our breath, adjust gear, and take in the view.
Duration:
Full-Day Experience: We’ll spend about 7 hours together, which gives us plenty of time for the skills clinic and lunch on the trail.
Strenuous Level:
You should be ready for a full day of active movement that includes pedaling up gradual forest hills and standing on your pedals to balance. We will be moving at a consistent pace with weighted packs, and we'll spend time showing you how to adjust your bag’s straps to take the pressure off your shoulders.
Pace:
Learner-Focused: We spend more time using our tools and practicing skills than we do covering miles, so expect plenty of short stops to talk through gear and techniques.
Max Group Size:
12 Bikers
Minimum Age:
18+
Experienced Needed?
You don’t need mountain bike experience, but you should already know how to balance, steer, and use hand brakes on a regular bicycle.
This experience is perfect for:
This is for the person who owns a bike but has felt left behind on group rides and wants to finally learn the basics in a space where no one is checking the clock. Someone interested in learning one-finger braking, body positioning, and transitioning from flat fields to hills to singletrack.
What's Included:
Professional instruction on how to ride and local stories about the forest we’re traveling through.
A modern, well-maintained mountain bike and a helmet that fits you.
Sunscreen, high-quality snacks, and a professional medical kit carried by your guide.
What's Not Included:
Transportation to the meeting point or trailhead.
Personal riding clothes, such as athletic wear or comfortable shoes.
Gratuities for your professional guide.e
Cancellation Policy:
As a small business, our guides invest significant time into prepping your gear and ensuring we are fully staffed for a safe experience, so we offer a full refund with at least 14 days' notice, a 50% refund between 7 and 14 days (or a full refund if we can fill your spot), and are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than a week before the trip.
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